Ava Lessa
Ava Lessa is studying Mechanical Engineering and is the first in her family to go to college. Being a first-generation college student means so many different things to different people. For Ava, being a first-generation college student means that
“Your past family history doesn’t reflect on the one you’re making for yourself. Basically, it’s like writing your own story.” Being first-generation has been especially difficult for Ava in terms of the administrative paperwork that goes behind attaining a college degree. When asked whether she felt as though she was at a disadvantage because she is a first generation college student, she replied with “Definitely.” “There hasn’t been a lot of guidance or an adult figure that is very close to me. The experience has been like trying to become resourceful on your own- It’s all on you.” However, Ava does feel as though she has an advantage by being first-generation. “I don't really have an adult figure that thinks they know what or how something will go down per se. So, I get to really shape my own attitude.” She doesn’t feel like she’s different from her peers. |
“Sometimes it just feels like I'm the same as everyone else just because the college has been so inclusive about it. I find that the River Hawk Scholars community has made those difficult times, where it feels like you're the only person, better by making us be a closer family and community. I know that my peer leader, Emily, is really great and has helped me a lot along the way. They always have answers to questions, especially when sometimes I don't even know how to form these questions.”
Ava wanted to go to college to help support her family. There was never a doubt with her family of whether she would attend or not.
“My parents have bounced between unemployment and a temporary jobs for hospitals. It's actually very difficult just because they don't have holidays off. Usually, their scheduling consists of very intense nights and weekends. I really love my mom for dedicating so much time to me, especially because she's a single mother. That's a thankless job that I am forever grateful for.”
Ava works not only one, but two, part time jobs while being a full-time student. She has a work study job where she works for the Office of Residence Life as well as works at Market Basket. If she had the choice to not work at all, she would take it so she could put all her energy into her studies. One of her biggest obstacles during college and life was balancing finances as well as understanding her ethnic background.
“I'm actually not biologically related to my parents - I'm adopted. I was adopted from China and I've also grown up in a very small town. It's in the middle of the forest and almost everyone is White. It's a very big change to be in Lowell. It's the city and you get actual diversity and you're not the only Asian-American person in your classroom and it’s great. Finance wise, it's definitely been difficult in the past and I've reached a better point now.”
When asked on what the university can do to help her, Ava brought up scholarships.
“Scholarships definitely help. Other options are private loans, but they have such great interest rates and yet, they are a temporary fix. Sometimes it’s difficult to stay on top of everything and understanding that I might have to wait another month to register for classes because I was not able to pay off my balance. But at the same time, I’m not too worried.”
One thing Ava really likes about UMass Lowell are the cultural groups, specifically for Asian Americans, such as the Student Associate of Chinese Americans (SACA).
You can catch Ava working at Donahue Hall, attending clubs such as the Rock & Metal club where she is the Vice President, and enjoying her time here at UMass Lowell.
Ava wanted to go to college to help support her family. There was never a doubt with her family of whether she would attend or not.
“My parents have bounced between unemployment and a temporary jobs for hospitals. It's actually very difficult just because they don't have holidays off. Usually, their scheduling consists of very intense nights and weekends. I really love my mom for dedicating so much time to me, especially because she's a single mother. That's a thankless job that I am forever grateful for.”
Ava works not only one, but two, part time jobs while being a full-time student. She has a work study job where she works for the Office of Residence Life as well as works at Market Basket. If she had the choice to not work at all, she would take it so she could put all her energy into her studies. One of her biggest obstacles during college and life was balancing finances as well as understanding her ethnic background.
“I'm actually not biologically related to my parents - I'm adopted. I was adopted from China and I've also grown up in a very small town. It's in the middle of the forest and almost everyone is White. It's a very big change to be in Lowell. It's the city and you get actual diversity and you're not the only Asian-American person in your classroom and it’s great. Finance wise, it's definitely been difficult in the past and I've reached a better point now.”
When asked on what the university can do to help her, Ava brought up scholarships.
“Scholarships definitely help. Other options are private loans, but they have such great interest rates and yet, they are a temporary fix. Sometimes it’s difficult to stay on top of everything and understanding that I might have to wait another month to register for classes because I was not able to pay off my balance. But at the same time, I’m not too worried.”
One thing Ava really likes about UMass Lowell are the cultural groups, specifically for Asian Americans, such as the Student Associate of Chinese Americans (SACA).
You can catch Ava working at Donahue Hall, attending clubs such as the Rock & Metal club where she is the Vice President, and enjoying her time here at UMass Lowell.